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“And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them. (Sh’mos 25:8)”

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Our Sages point out that “I will dwell among them” can also be translated as “in them.” They explain that each individual Jew is meant to be a sanctuary for the Sh’chinah, Hashem’s presence in the world. In fact, the Jew (and by extension, his home, shul, and community) is the real Beis HaMikdash on which the physical building was modeled.

When the Beis HaMikdash stood, Yidden from all walks of life basked in the presence of the Sh’chinah the instant they walked through its gates. Even from afar, one was greeted by the Holy Light emanating from its windows. Every nuance of the structure, including those who did the avodah within it, were there by Divine design for the Jewish pilgrims who came throughout the year, to stir up feelings of awe and an intense inner yearning to return to God.

Just as anyone who came to the Beis HaMikdash immediately became aware of Hashem’s Presence and was motivated to do t’shuvah, so too there is a Divine light within every Jew, the inner Cheilek Elokah MiMaal that can shine out, inspiring those around them to return to their Creator.

(Material was previously published on www.ShiratMiriam.com.)

Shabbos Nachamu has long been an expression for being joyous and celebrating our Jewish pride. This weekend is also a time to double down on our fervor for and confidence in our ultimate redemption. These traditions surface with mysterious historical roots per the Maharil; the Ritva calls for more ostentatious foods to be served, and a student of the Rashba even writes in Drashos Even Shoiv to respect days like a festive holiday.

Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.

Chaim Avraham ben Shifrah Zisel

Yehudah Yudel ben Miriam Gittel

As part of the ongoing program called “Turn Saturday Night into Motza’ei Shabbos,” Chazaq, TorahAnytime, Chickens for Shabbos, the Queens Jewish Link, Just A Moment, Naftali Status, and Kol HaTorah Kulah are hosting an inspiring, informative virtual program with Dr. David Lieberman (internationally renowned, award-winning, and pioneering leader in the fields of human behavior and interpersonal relationships, and author of 11 books) and Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser (rav of Khal Bnei Yitzchok of Brooklyn, columnist, daily radio commentator, and acclaimed speaker and author).

Jerusalem,

When I think of you

In your past days of glory,

My heart breaks in two.      

Dealing with COVID-19 has impacted us all in unique and challenging ways. This August, Shalom Task Force will be presenting our Shalom Workshop as a gift to our community’s educators, first responders, and newlyweds, as a means of recognizing their experiences over the past few months. These workshops will be given via online video conferencing and presented by Yeshaya Kraus, LCSW, director of the Shalom Workshop program for Shalom Task Force. Over the last decade, more than 2,000 couples have benefited from Shalom Workshop, the premier evidence-based marriage empowerment workshop in the Jewish community. This is an opportunity not to be missed.